Steven Smith reveals prowling Nathan Lyon turns heat on England with run out in Gabba

Animated Australian skipper Steven Smith had lauded the efforts of Nathan Lyon for his on-field brilliance when the latter removed settled James Vince on a direct throw in the series opener in Brisbane which according to him turned out to be the standout moment – to set the stage for the domination of hosts.

The 28-year-old New South Wales-based Steven Smith, who registered three hundreds in the just-concluded Ashes Test campaign, believes Lyon has set up the traditional series for hosts since brilliant direct him to force Vince walk of the ground, who was eventually batting on well-made 83.

The statement came following the 4-0 romping of England with the win by an innings and 123 runs in the fifth and final Magellan Ashes Test in Sydney after Joe Root failed to make it to the field due to the dehydration post-lunch session.

“The moment that changed the whole series was Nathan Lyon and his run out at the Gabba,” Smith was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia after emerging as the victorious in the five-match series.

The incident took place when Lyon was fielding at point region on the first day of the first Test on December 23, 2017, Vince found the former pouncing on the ball. Lyon did not waste any time to aim at stumps at the non-striker’s end to find the England batsman well short of his crease.

Moreover, the prominent top-order batsman Smith hinted it was the moment on the field which has further lifted the whole time owing to the energy and commitment.

“I certainly think that was a series-changing moment,” Smith maintained.

So much so, Lyon is listed third in the most-wicket-takers of the Ashes 2017-18 which saw him bagging 21 scalps in five games.

The premium off-spinner conceded 614 runs after sending down 1,561 deliveries.

Smith cited it as the change in the fortune when visitors were 145 for two before being bundled out for 302.

“That was such a huge moment in the series and those sort of plays can change a series,” Smith added.

Pertinently, Smith like his counterpart Joe Root was leading his side in the first-ever Test series which saw him regaining the coveted Ashes Urn at WACA in Perth before the Boxing Day Test ended in a draw.

In seven innings of the five Tests, Smith has amassed 687 runs at an average of 137.40.

Apart from Smith, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, who himself was brilliant on the field, has already termed Lyon’s run out attempt as the defining moment for the series while adding the players have worked hard in the fielding to contribute as much as possible.

“That’s the sort of moment in Test matches that can determine the whole series,” Ponting was quoted by CA back then.

However, the relentless attack, Australia bowlers have been on the role, and Lyon has further turned it on with the acrobatic stuff during the series.

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